Bilimbi Fruit Use at Home in Bangladesh
The Bilimbi fruit (Averrhoa bilimbi), known in
Bangladesh as 'Belambi', is a sour, green fruit commonly found in the
southern and coastal regions of the country. Though not as commercially popular
as mangoes or jackfruits, bilimbi holds a significant place in many Bangladeshi
homes, especially in rural households. Its unique taste, medicinal benefits,
and versatility in cooking make it a cherished ingredient used in everyday
life.
A Kitchen Staple for Traditional Cooking:
One of the most common uses of bilimbi at home in Bangladesh
is in traditional cooking. Due to its intense sourness, it is often used as a
natural souring agent in various dishes, much like tamarind or raw
mango.
- Fish
Curries: Bilimbi is often added to fish dishes, particularly ilish
(hilsa) and shutki (dried fish) curries, to add a tangy flavor
and balance the richness of the fish.
- Lentils
and Vegetable Dishes: A few slices of bilimbi can elevate the taste of
lentil soups (dal) and leafy vegetables. It is a favorite among home cooks
looking to give a fresh sour note to their meals.
- Pickles
and Preserves: Bilimbi is used to make delicious homemade achar
(pickles). The fruit is sliced, salted, sun-dried, and mixed with
mustard oil, spices, and chili to create long-lasting pickles that add
zing to any meal.
Refreshing Homemade Drinks:
In some households, bilimbi juice is prepared as a cooling
drink during hot weather. Although the juice is extremely sour, it is
diluted with water, sweetened with jaggery or sugar, and sometimes flavored
with mint or black salt. This drink not only refreshes but also helps in
digestion.
Folk Remedies and Medicinal Use:
Bilimbi has long been a part of home remedies in
rural Bangladeshi culture. Due to its rich content of vitamin C, antioxidants,
and oxalic acid, families use it in the following ways:
- Cold
and Cough Relief: Warm bilimbi juice mixed with honey is believed to
help relieve throat irritation and mild cough.
- Fever
and Infections: Its anti-inflammatory properties make it a home remedy
for fevers and minor infections.
- Skin
Problems: Crushed bilimbi or its juice is applied externally to treat acne,
itching, or skin rashes.
- Blood
Sugar Control: In some homes, bilimbi juice is taken in small doses as
a natural aid for controlling blood sugar, though it is not a substitute
for medical treatment.
Household Cleanser and Polish:
Apart from culinary and medicinal uses, bilimbi juice is
sometimes used in households as a natural cleanser:
- Its
acidic nature can help remove rust from utensils.
- It can
be used as a mild metal polish for brass and copper items.
- Some
use it to clean kitchen surfaces where food residues are stuck, as
the acid helps break down the grime.
Gardening and Composting:
In many homes where bilimbi trees grow, the leftover fruit
or peel is added to organic compost. It enriches the compost with
natural acids and nutrients, helping in soil fertilization. The tree itself is
often grown in home gardens for shade and as a low-maintenance fruiting plant.
Childhood Snack and Local Fun:
For many Bangladeshi children, bilimbi is a part of their
playful snacking. Often eaten raw with salt and green chili, it provides
a fun and lip-puckering treat that is also nostalgic for many adults who
remember enjoying it during their childhood.
Conclusion:
Bilimbi fruit may not be flashy or widely commercialized,
but its place in Bangladeshi homes is deeply rooted in tradition, health, and
everyday utility. From the kitchen to the medicine cabinet, bilimbi’s diverse
uses reflect the ingenuity of rural life and the value of native plants. In a
time when processed foods and artificial ingredients dominate, the humble
bilimbi reminds us of the power of natural, home-grown solutions.
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